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AIMIM supports Shiv Sena candidates for Rajya Sabha elections, puts conditions including increasing income of Waqf Board and Muslim reservation

OpIndia Staff
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AIMIM supports Shiv Sena candidates for Rajya Sabha elections, puts conditions including increasing income of Waqf Board and Muslim reservation

On Friday (June 10), All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Imtiaz Jaleel informed that the Islamic party will support Maha Vikas Aghadi in the Rajya Sabha polls that are being held in the State of Maharashtra.

It must be mentioned that Shiv Sena is a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a grand alliance comprising the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Jaleel took to Twitter to inform that AIMIM’s 2 MLAs will support Congress candidate Imran Pratapgarhi to the Upper House of the Parliament.

“We extend our best wishes to him,” he wrote, adding that the Islamic party has placed several conditions before the incumbent Maharashtra government. This included reservations for Muslims, the development of Malegaon and Dhulia, an increase in income of the Maharashtra Waqf Board and the appointment of a Muslim in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).

“We laid certain conditions related to the development of our MLAs constituencies in Dhulia and Malegaon. Also demanded Govt appoint a minority member in MPSC and take steps to increase the income of the Maharashtra Wakf Board. Also demanded reservations for Muslims,” Imtiaz Jaleel had tweeted.

The AIMIM leader pointed out that the Islamic party’s difference with Shiv Sena will continue to exist, despite its support for the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. He highlighted that defeating the BJP is the sole objective of AIMIM in the Rajya Sabha polls.

Imtiaz Jaleel wrote, “To defeat BJP, our party AIMIM has decided to vote for Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra. Our political/ideological differences however will continue with ShivSena which is a partner in MVA along with Congress and NCP.”

Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra

A total of 6 seats are up for grabs in Maharashtra. However, the number of candidates contesting the polls is 7. Reportedly, the BJP has fielded 3 candidates, namely, Dhananjay Mhadik, Piyush Goyal and Anil Bonde.

Similarly, Congress has fielded Imran Pratapgarhi while NCP’s Praful Patel is contesting for Rajya Sabha. Sanjay Rawat and Sanjay Pawar of Shiv Sena are also in the fray. The voting commenced on Friday (June 10) morning and will conclude at 4 pm.

Earlier on Thursday (June 9), political parties in the State were engaged in fine-tuning their strategies. The MLAs belonging to the Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP were held up at different resorts in Mumbai and reached the State Assembly before the commencement of voting.

Meetings were convened by BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnaw, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray with their respective party members.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Congress general secretary Mallikarjun Kharge, and BJP leader and Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw went into a huddle with leaders of their respective parties in Mumbai to give final touches to their strategy.

The voting mechanism in Rajya Sabha

Elections to the Upper House of the Parliament are conducted through a system of indirect voting. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha MPs are elected by members of the State Legislative Assembly (aka MLAs) through proportional representation using the single transferable vote (STV) system.

Under the system, a vote of an MLA is counted only once and he cannot vote for each seat. By doing so, our Constitution makers ensured that representatives of parties, other than the ruling party, get fair representation in the Upper House of the Parliament.

“The MLAs are given a paper with the names of all candidates. They have to give their order of preference for each candidate, marking 1,2,3… against their names. If 10 or more members choose a candidate as their first choice, he/she gets elected. The political party that has a majority in the state Assembly normally gets to send the maximum number of MPs to the Rajya Sabha,” a report by Debayan Roy in News18 stated.

The formula used for the calculation of minimum votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat is given as: [(Number of MLAs X 100) / (Vacancies + 1)] + 1.

For instance, Maharashtra has a total strength of 288 MLAs in its State Assembly. When multiplied by 100, we get a total of 28,800. Given that there were only 6 vacancies, the same formula can be rearranged as:

[(288 X 100) / (6 + 1)] + 1 = (28800/7)+ 1 = 4114+1 = 4115

By adhering to the BODMAS rule, we will add the 1 after obtaining the result of division aka 4114. Given that every MLA has 100 votes, each candidate who contests the Maharashtra Rajya Sabha election on Friday will need 4115 votes or the support of 42 MLAs to win.

Kanpur violence: ATS probes into mastermind Hayat Zafar Hashmi’s four bank accounts, suspicious transactions of over Rs 50 crore traced

OpIndia Staff
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Kanpur violence: ATS probes into mastermind Hayat Zafar Hashmi’s four bank accounts, suspicious transactions of over Rs 50 crore traced

On Thursday, the officials of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) who are investigating the recent Kanpur violence, revealed that the local Islamic leader and the main conspirator behind the violence have been receiving heavy amounts from the Gulf countries. The ATS stated that accused Hayat Zafar Hashmi, the president of Kanpur-based NGO named Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Fans Association, has received over Rs 50 crores from several sources in the past few years.

According to a report by Jagran, Hashmi has four local bank accounts in the name of the NGO which has received heavy amounts from the Gulf countries. Though the investigations are underway, the ATS officials have clarified that the information is prima facie and will be confirmed only after interrogating the accused.

Kanpur violence mastermind Hashmi operates the NGO’s three local bank accounts in the Babupurva, Karnalganj, and Beaconganj areas of Kanpur, the Jagran report says. The fourth account of the NGO is in the Punjab National Bank. The ATS officials tracing the transactions found that Hashmi received Rs 3.54 crores in a bank located at Babupurva on July 30, 2019. In September 2021, he withdrew over Rs 98 lakhs from the account to keep the balance of only Rs 1.27 crores.

The ATS officials also found that the accused has received over Rs 48 crores in the local private bank accounts located at Karnalganj and Beaconganj area of Kanpur in the past three years. However, now the amount left in these banks accounts to Rs 12 lakhs only. While the source and the purpose for which the amount has been used are unclear, the ATS officials have suspected that the accused has been using the amount for anti-India activities. Amid the investigation, the ATS plans to interrogate Hayat Zafar Hashmi and his NGO associates to confirm and trace the details of the visible transactions.

MMA Jauhar Fans Association celebrated the release of history-sheeter Dr Kafeel Khan

Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Fans Association is a Kanpur-based Islamic NGO that was founded in the year 2007 by accused Hashmi. The organization claims to have been serving ‘humanity’ for the past 8 years. According to the official website, the motto of the organization is just to raise voice against social problems like vulnerable water supply, power crisis, roads problems and traffic issues, etc.

The volunteers of the organization include State Incharge Hafiz Abdul Samad, Yusuf Mansoori, State Vice President Raees Ansari, Arshi Siddique, National President Women Cell Uzma Khan, and many more who have successfully organized several movements against problems like ‘rapes, riots’ and more. Some of the prominent fundraising movements as displayed on the official website include spreading of Prophet’s message, leading protests, and celebrating the release of Dr Kafeel Khan who was arrested for making a provocative speech at the Aligarh Muslim University during the anti-CAA protests.

It is important to note that Hayat Zafar Hashmi was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police for leading the violent protest in the city’s Parade Chowk area last Friday. He was among the 40 accused named in the FIR who had pelted stones and injured several people including the police on June 3. Hashmi had called for the shutdown of the market in protest against Nupur Sharma’s remarks on Islam. His call for a shutdown touched off an ugly spate of violence after the Friday Namaz, on a day when both the Prime Minister and the President of India were in the state.

Police found incriminating Whatsapp chats from Hashmi’s phone

On June 6, the Police also found several incriminating Whatsapp chats from six mobile phones belonging to Hayat Zafar Hashmi, seized following his arrest after the Kanpur violence. Kanpur police came across a WhatsApp group named ‘MM Johar Fans association Kanpur team’, on which the pictures of shops being shut before the violence on June 3 were shared. “Insha’Allah, thode der mei video aayenge, Rehmani market bandh (Insha’Allah, we will receive a video shortly, bandh at Rehmani market)”, one of the messages read. The police also revealed that a total of 141 WhatsApp groups were found on Hashmi’s mobile, and most of them had conversations regarding the Kanpur clashes. 

Notably, accused Hashmi has been involved in various activities for the past few years and has acquired several illegal properties. He runs a ration shop at home under the government quota. Hashmi is alleged to have instigated his sister and mother in a family case, following which the duo immolated themselves outside the Kanpur DM’s office and both of them died in the incident. According to the police, he was also a part of violent demonstrations against the CAA and the NRC.

Jammu hate speech from mosque: Curfew imposed, case registered, Minister Jitendra Singh says ‘elders should sit together to maintain harmony’

OpIndia Staff
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Jammu hate speech from mosque: Curfew imposed, case registered, Minister Jitendra Singh says ‘elders should sit together to maintain harmony’

On Thursday, a curfew was imposed in Bhaderwah, Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, after members of the Hindu community came to the streets to protest hate speech emanating from a mosque after a video from the area went viral.

Police have opened an investigation into the reported provocative remarks and have cautioned locals from taking the law into their own hands. Officials say the Army was called in to perform a flag march on Thursday evening as tensions rose in the neighbourhood following provocative statements made from a mosque.

This comes after a video of a hate speech from a mosque in Bhaderwah in Jammu & Kashmir went viral, infuriating local Hindus and the social media. The incident occurred at the Jamia Masjid in Bhaderwah, Doda district, Jammu, where a Muslim cleric publicly threatened to behead Nupur Sharma and those who supported her because of statements she made on a TV broadcast about Prophet Mohammad, which led to her suspension from the party.

A preacher is heard in a video from Thursday suggesting that Hindus drink cow urine and bathe in cow dung. The preacher warned that if individuals talk about hijab and Azaan, the authorities should arrest them or Muslims will behead them.

Meanwhile, cabinet minister Dr Jitendra Singh has urged the people of the two communities to maintain harmony in the region. In a tweet, Dr Singh stated, “I am deeply disturbed by the unpleasant situation that developed in #Bhaderwah yesterday. I humbly appeal to the elders and the heads of the two communities to sit together to maintain the traditional harmony for which the beautiful town of Bhaderwah has always been known for.”

He further said, “I am in constant touch with DC Doda Sh Vikas Sharma and Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sh Ramesh Kumar. DC Doda and SSP Doda are presently camping in Bhaderwah and personally monitoring the situation.”

As these threats continue to haunt suspended BJP Spokeswoman Nupur Sharma, she has also received threats from extremist organisations on the other side of the border. Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) supporters in Pakistan pledged a monetary prize of 5 million Pakistani rupees (about 19.5 lakh INR) for anybody who would behead Nupur for allegedly committing ‘blasphemy.’

Following Sharma’s words, a slew of FIRs were filed against her, and open calls for her assassination were made. Eventually, the terrorist group Al Qaeda threatened India with terror attacks as a response to the controversy.

Afghan model arrested by Taliban for laughing at a comedian reading Quranic verses, Amnesty international demands ‘unconditional’ release

OpIndia Staff
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Afghan model arrested by Taliban for laughing at a comedian reading Quranic verses, Amnesty international demands ‘unconditional’ release

The Taliban have detained Afghan model and YouTuber Ajmal Haqiqi and three of his colleagues, accusing them of insulting Islam and the Quran. According to reports, the model was seen laughing in a video clip while his colleague Ghulam Sakhi recited the Quran verses in Arabic in a humorous tone. Sakhi has a speech impediment that he uses for comedy.

Ajmal Haqiqi, a famous Afghan model known for his fashion shows, modelling events, and YouTube videos, was apparently shown chained in a light brown jail uniform in the videos released by the Taliban.

The Taliban published a video in the Dari language that said, “No one is allowed to insult Quranic verses or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.”

Amnesty International issued a statement on Wednesday requesting the unconditional and prompt release of Haqiqi and his colleagues. Amnesty International asked the Taliban to free Haqiqi and his comrades “immediately and unconditionally.” According to Amnesty International, the Taliban have “undertaken a blatant attack on the right to freedom of expression” by holding “Haqiqi and his colleagues and coercing them into apologising.”

Amnesty International’s South Asia campaigner, Samira Hamidi condemned the arrests, saying, “By detaining Haqiqi and his colleagues and coercing them into apologising, the Taliban have undertaken a blatant attack on the right to freedom of expression.”

It is notable that no such statement or demand has come from Amnesty International in the case of ex-BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma who has been receiving death threats and worldwide condemnation for her remarks on the Islamic prophet.

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August of last year, they have implemented a number of stringent policies, notably limiting the rights of women and religious minorities. Girls have been kept out of school.

Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership ordered female TV presenters to conceal their faces on the broadcast last month. Several female broadcasters and presenters then shared photographs on social media of themselves wearing face veils. The Taliban also made head-to-toe burkha mandatory for Afghan women. Furthermore, the Taliban leadership have said that women would not be permitted to wear coloured Hijab.

Inside Qatar’s ‘holy’ world of waging global Jihad and state-sponsored terrorism: A detailed report

Suyash
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Inside Qatar’s ‘holy’ world of waging global Jihad and state-sponsored terrorism: A detailed report

Qatar, an Islamic peninsular monarchy has rested its strategic sovereignty on Islamism as its state policy. In the Arab world though, it has been lately accused of sponsoring and shielding terror organisations and their financiers on its soil. Be it through the modern Qatari society’s ideological underpinnings in Muslim Brotherhood, or by openly supporting US-designated terror organisations like Hamas, it has carved out itself as a safe haven for global terrorists.

As a close US ally, Qatar hosts the regional headquarters of the Pentagon’s Central Command at the al-Udeid Air Base used by the US Navy patrolling the Gulf region. At the same time, it has frequently welcomed the Islamic State leadership to hold talks and negotiations with global powers. Recently, donations to Indian Islamist groups for spreading Wahabi principles in India had the backing of Qatar’s royal family members.

Qatar flirts with terrorists on a daily basis. Its relationship with terrorist groups is out in open. The FATF grey list holder, however, gathered the courage to sermon India on the rights of religious minorities in the recent Nupur Sharma controversy. Here is a sneak peek into Qatar’s interactions with terror organisations, dealings with extremist militia and funding to Islamist groups in India to fan Wahabism.

Dealings with the Muslim Brotherhood

The 20th-century Pan Islamist organisation, ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ that emerged from Egypt to promote the ideals of Sharia and religious conservatism, has historically garnered support from Qatar and Turkey beyond its origins in Egypt. Scholars say that its ideological, social and political influence in Qatar has to do with Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, an Islamic scholar and apostle of the brotherhood school who travelled to Qatar to spread his teachings.

In recent times, the Muslim Brotherhood has evolved as a designated terror organisation in Bahrain, Russia, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Egypt itself. In the ultra-conservative realm of Islam, the Brotherhood stands as an arm of Qatar’s Islamist soft-power as well. During Brotherhood-backed Mohamed Morsi’s regime in Egypt as the President, Qatar Government-backed him with the financial assistance of over USD 7.5 billion on loan. At the same time, Morsi’s government was helped by Qatar with energy supplies. There were also reports of secret monetary dealings between Doha and the Muslim brotherhood during the same time.

Open support to Hamas

As a peninsular monarchy in the middle-east, Qatar eyes itself to becoming a major player in the geopolitics of the region. The Israel-Palestine issue has always been at the centre stage of the tussle between the Western world and the Arab world in establishing strategic hegemony over the middle-east. However, the politics of the Gulf is more dynamic than it seems – given the entanglement of interests of different countries.

Qatar, which is a U.S. ally, has been traditionally providing financial support to terror organisations and extremist groups designated by the US and its allies. For example, over the Israel-Palestine issue, Qatar has taken a stand that its engagement with the Hamas – a designated Palestine terror organisation would help in establishing peace between the two countries.

Unfolding the links of Hamas as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, it should be noted that Khaled Meeshal, the former leader of Hamas continued to live in Qatar for a long time. Meeshal is said to have owned a number of commercial properties in the nation, while he has openly hosted press conferences on behalf of the terror organisations in the Qatari capital of Doha.

At a time in May 2021, when the situation between Palestine and Israel escalated after Hamas targeted Israeli civilians by dropping shells through the air, Qatar pledged financial assistance of USD 500 million towards the reconstruction work in the Hamas-dominated Gaza Strip. Qatar’s support to the terror organisation once again underlined concerns that the Islamic monarchy provides financial support to Hamas and other international terrorist organizations.

Contribution to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Given that the politics of the middle-east is not a black-and-white broad-stroke, the lexicon around what constitutes terrorism also changes depending on one’s own soverign interests. Despite being a US ally, Qatar’s audacity to fund Hamas has not served it well in the longer run. This led to the US state department leading an independent probe when the talks of Doha authorities officially supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were all over the place.

IRGC is another designated terrorist organisation founded after the order of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979. The militia enjoys a rank insignia of the Iranian military justifying its establishment as an exercise in state-sponsored terrorism. According to the US-led investigation, the probe started after The US administration was offended by the presence of the IRGC guards in a defence exhibition hosted by the Qatar government in Doha.

According to a report by Fox News, Qatar had advance information about the May 2019 attacks on Iran’s attacks on four ships in the Gulf of Oman. This information was deliberately not shared by the Qatar Government with US state officials, the news report has claimed. While intelligence reports have pinned the blame for the Fujairah Port attacks on the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Qatar chose not to share this vital information with the NATO allies given its partnership with the IRGC.

Qatar and the Al-Qaeda

Former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani aka ‘HBJ’ has confessed that there could have been links between his government and al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria. As part of the Syrian civil war, HBJ admitted that his government had supported rebels in the war-torn nation, however, the resources so sent were approved by the US.

Qatar is known to have backed financiers of Al Qaeda, most of which are also sanctioned by the US, by granting them citizenship and identity proof in the country. “By granting IDs to some of Al Qaeda’s core financiers, Qatar defends Al Qaeda’s infrastructure from its deepest roots, thereby emphasising its commitment to sponsoring terrorism,” Jordan Cope, an expert on international relations has written.

Abd al-Malik Muhammad Yusuf Uthman Abd Al-Salam, also known as Umar Al Qatari, is a U.S.- and U.N.-designated fundraiser and arms and technology facilitator for al-Qaeda. He was arrested in Lebanon while travelling to Qatar with thousands of dollars to be funded to Al Qaeda in his possession. Umar Al Qatari, backed by Qatar is also accused of funding thousands of dollars to Al Qaeda’s branch in Syria, and other Al Qaeda terrorists.

One of the beneficiaries of Al Qatari includes a Syrian terrorist group, Al-Sham which goals itself to establish an Islamist state in Syria. Al Qatari is also said to have helped Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-based Shia terrorist group which works on the lines of the IRGC. By shielding independent individuals and bodies which help Al Qaeda, Qatar covers itself from the allegations of directly supporting terror organisations.

The network of ‘philanthropic’ Terror-funding organisations

In a report published by Usanas Foundation, an India-based geopolitics and security think-tank, it was revealed that Qatar-based Sheikh Eid Bin Mohammad Al Thani Charitable Association, also referred to as ‘Eid Charity’, has been funding millions of dollars to organisations associated with the extremist Islamic school of thought, Wahhabism since 2008. The organisation found over 1,200 transactions made to India either directly via Eid Charity or contributions by individuals. It suggested that a total of approx USD 7.82 million, or roughly Rs 58.25 crore, were sent to eight organisations in India.

The Eid Charity faced global scrutiny in 2013 when the US Department of Treasury named Abd Al-Rahman al-Nu’aymi, one of the founders of Eid Charity, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGTs). The beneficiaries of Eid Charity in India are organisations involved to spread the Wahabi ideology through school education, conservative ideals in Islam, and promote extremist and puritanical ideas like wearing Burqa, etc in India.

Through the game of narratives, Qatar has also been accused of promoting extremist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and others through its state-run news channel Al Jazeera, which through its local channels has been spreading Anti-Zionism and Hinduphobia for achieving the goal of pan-Islamism among the gulf countries.

‘Please protest in Delhi and demand PM’s resignation, not in Bengal’: Mamata tells Islamists blocking roads in Howrah over Prophet remarks

OpIndia Staff
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‘Please protest in Delhi and demand PM’s resignation, not in Bengal’: Mamata tells Islamists blocking roads in Howrah over Prophet remarks

On Thursday (June 9), a mob of frenzied protestors blocked the National Highway connecting Howrah and Kolkata, thereby resulting in traffic woes and public inconvenience. The demonstration comes days after the BJP suspended its spokesperson Nupur Sharma over alleged ‘blasphemous’ remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

The protestors, dressed in skull caps and lungi, created a ruckus on NH116. They yelled Islamist slogans and burnt tyres. In videos that have now surfaced on social media, dark smoke could be seen engulfing the skies.

Reportedly, the blockade began from Nibra (Kona Expressway-NH16 junction) at around 10:30 am and ended at 9:30 pm. Located at about 12 km from the second Howrah bridge, it extended up to the AJC Bose Road in Kolkata.

The traffic jam for over 5 hours. Many commuters were forced to dump their vehicles and walk instead. For over 20 km, the vehicles were brought to a standstill. The mob was seen occupying the streets, with no concern about the inconvenience caused to other people.

Popular Twitter user Ankita pointed out that the blockade continued for over 10 hours and how the police and the State apparatus remained mute spectators to the disruption of public life.

Mamata Banerjee asks Islamists to protest in Delhi, UP or Gujarat instead of West Bengal

Instead of acting against the mob that had brought traffic to a near halt in Howrah, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked them to disrupt public life in other states instead.

She remarked, “Why should we suffer due to communal politics of some with an aim for narrow political gains? Go protest in UP, Gujarat…states where BJP is in power. But they are not in power in Bengal, so don’t do this for publicity in here.”

She had lamented how the people of West Bengal are being made to suffer by Islamists for remarks made by the ex-BJP spokesperson. During a press conference held in Nabanna, the West Bengal Chief Minister pleaded with the mob with folded hands to vacate the highway.

“We are all requesting with folded hands to move away from the politics of blockade. Someone will provoke for a day. Tomorrow, no one will be around! If there is a riot tomorrow, no one will have an answer,” she added.

“I don’t support such a (violent) protest. If you all are so annoyed then go to Delhi & protest there peacefully & demand the PM’s resignation. Why are you creating a problem here? I request you all to maintain peace & withdraw protest”, ANI quoted the Bengal CM as saying.

Banerjee further requested, “People are suffering. Everyone is sitting in the car for hours. What are they to blame? What is their crime? Why should people suffer for the BJP? I beg you to spare people. I don’t allow road blockades or strikes. Please don’t take revenge on people.”

She asked, “Will you be happy if you kill me?” TMC Minister Firhad Hakim, who was sitting alongside Banerjee, went on to claim that Islam is a religion of peace and that it did not support unrest, riots or trouble.

NSA Doval did not say ‘we will teach lesson to those who insulted the Prophet’ during meeting with Iranian foreign minister, clarifies MEA

OpIndia Staff
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NSA Doval did not say ‘we will teach lesson to those who insulted the Prophet’ during meeting with Iranian foreign minister, clarifies MEA

In the midst of the controversy over the contentious statements on Prophet Mohammad by BJP leaders and the objection by several Muslim countries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesman Arindam Bagchi has informed that the issue was not mentioned during meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his visiting Iranian counterpart Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. He stated that some people’s comments and tweets do not reflect the views of the state.

Arindam Bagchi addressed a weekly media briefing on 9th June 2022. During this briefing, he said, “We have made it pretty clear that the tweets and comments don’t reflect the views of the government. This has been conveyed to our interlocutors as also the fact that action has been taken by concerned quarters against those who made the comments and tweets. The issue was not raised during that conversation.”

When asked about the tweets posted by Iran’s external affairs ministry which quoted the so-called talks between NSA Ajit Doval and Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian about the controversial remarks about the Prophet Muhammad, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “As far as the discussion between the senior officials like NSA and the Iranian minister is concerned, I would not make any comment on that. But the social media posts which you are referring to, kindly check it once again, the posts have already been taken down by them.”

It may be noted that earlier it was reported that Iran had clamed that NSA Ajit Doval had said during his meeting with the Iranian minister that the offenders of insulting Islam offenders will be “dealt with in such a way that others will learn a lesson”. The Iranian side had released a readout attributing the quote to Doval, claiming that he had reaffirmed the Indian government’s respect for the founder of Prophet Mohammad.

“Ajit Doval reaffirmed the Indian government and officials’ respect for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), saying offenders will be dealt with, at the government and related bodies levels, in such a way that others will learn a lesson,” he readout released by Iranian foreign ministry had said. the Iranian ministry had added that they welcome the suspension of Nupur Sharma and Navin Kumar Jindal from the party, saying that “Muslims are satisfied with the stance of Indian officials in dealing with the culprits.”

However, the MEA spokesperson has informed that Iran has pulled down this readout.

On the occasion of Abdollahian’s visit to India, EAM Jaishankar reviewed bilateral cooperation in areas such as commerce, health, connectivity, and people-to-people linkages. While the government has dissociated itself from the objectionable comments, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended Nupur Sharma and dismissed Naveen Jindal, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the opinions of selected individuals do not represent those of the government.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is on a 3-day visit to India, and he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday. Reportedly, Jaishankar and Amir-Abdollahian discussed multiple issues in their meeting, including bilateral cooperation, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Afghanistan and the Iran Nuclear deal. Jaishankar had tweeted that they reviewed bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including in trade, connectivity, health and people to people ties. However, the matter of comments of BJP leaders were not mentioned in the meeting, as confirmed by the MEA spokesperson today.

The Iranian minister also called on Prime Minister Modi.

Siddhesh Kamble questioned in Salman Khan threat case, Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s connection being investigated

OpIndia Staff
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Siddhesh Kamble questioned in Salman Khan threat case, Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s connection being investigated

On Thursday 9th June 2022, a Mumbai crime branch team visited Pune to investigate a letter threatening Bollywood actor Salman Khan and his father, Salim Khan. In this case, Siddhesh Hiraman Kamble alias Mahakal was interrogated, according to a police official. Siddhesh Kamble is a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Prominent screenwriter Salim Khan was relaxing on a bench in Bandra Bandstand after a morning walk on Sunday when an unknown individual left a letter there threatening him and his star son Salman Khan. Salim Khan subsequently approached the police with the assistance of his security staff, and an FIR was registered at Bandra police station under Section 506-II (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. Later, the Mumbai Police recorded Salim Khan and Salman Khan’s statements in the case.

The official said that the police will also question Kamble about the threatening note that was left on a bench in Bandra, Mumbai, on Sunday. On Wednesday, some Delhi Police officers came to Pune in connection with the investigation into the murder of Punjabi singer and Congress politician Sidhu Musewala last month.

The Delhi Police stated on Wednesday that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is now in their custody, was the mastermind behind Sidhu Musewala’s murder. Kulwant Kumar Sarangal, the ADG (Law and Order) of Maharashtra, said on Wednesday that Kamble is a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Santosh Jadhav, another suspect in the Sidhu Musewala murder case and a close ally of Kamble, has been identified as a shooter from Pune, he added.

A team led by Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sangram Singh Nishandar arrived at the Pune Crime Branch office on Thursday morning and began questioning Kamble. Police are investigating if members of the Bishnoi gang sent the threatening letter to writer Salim Khan and his son and actor Salman Khan on a bench in Mumbai.

Kerala: Congress holds ‘Biryani’ protests demanding CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s resignation over gold smuggling case, police use water cannons on protestors

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala: Congress holds ‘Biryani’ protests demanding CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s resignation over gold smuggling case, police use water cannons on protestors

Following Swapna Suresh’s damning allegations against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the gold scam case, the state Congress wing held ‘Biryani’ protests in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Thursday, calling for the CM’s resignation.

Interestingly, the Congress workers brought in huge Biryani vessels filled with small rectangular boxes covered with gold paper to resemble gold bars. This was symbolic as Swapna Suresh, the kingpin of the Kerala Gold scam, had revealed on Tuesday that biryani vessels used to reach Pinarayi Vijayan’s official residence from the UAE Consular general’s house which contained “metal-like” objects.

Later, in Kochi, a similar demonstration took place.

The protest organised by the members of Kerala Congress Mahila Wing and the Kerala Congress Youth Wing in Kerala’s capital resulted in a scuffle between party workers and the state police. The police used water cannons on the Congress workers as they jumped over and broke barricades, in their attempt to march ahead with their protest.

Kerala Congress took to Twitter to share visuals of the protest and the subsequent scuffle between them and the state police.

They also shared visuals where their workers were seen shouting anti-CM Pinarayi Vijayan slogans and demanding his resignation from the post of the CM of Kerala.

In some visuals shared online, scores of Mahila Congress workers could also be seen doing the same.

According to reports, prior to the scuffle that broke out between the state authorities and members of the state wing of the Youth Congress, the members of the Congress Mahila wing took a jibe at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by organising the “Briyani challenge” in response to alleged reports that Briyani vessels containing gold were sent to the CM’s residence. They also set fire to the Kerala chief minister’s effigy.

Kerela CM Pinarayi Vijayan responds to the allegation levelled at him by Swapna Suresh

Responding to the allegations levelled at him by Suresh, CM Vijayan said, “unsubstantiated allegations have been made from some quarters for narrow political reasons against us. This is part of some political agenda. Such agendas are rejected by the people. After a break, the old things are repeated by the defendant in the case. There is not even a shred of facts in it.” The CM further claimed that the ‘false allegations’ were part of a larger conspiracy.

CPI(M) leader files complaint against allegations made by Swapna Suresh

Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against Swapna Suresh by the Thiruvananthapuram cantonment police, after she made some explosive allegations against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and some of his close family members and colleagues in the gold scam.

Two days after Suresh revealed CM’s alleged involvement in the gold scam, former Kerala minister and CPI(M) leader KT Jaleel on Wednesday filed a police complaint against allegations levelled by Kerala gold smuggling case prime accused Swapna Suresh.

According to Jaleel, there is a conspiracy hatched by Swapna Suresh and former MLA PC George and BJP.

“Allegations against me are baseless. This is a BJP and UDF conspiracy. They are trying to tarnish the image of the existing government. This conspiracy should be investigated,” said Jaleel.

Swapna Suresh makes damning allegations against Kerala CM in the Gold scam case

Notably, Swapna Suresh, one of the prime accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case, said on Monday that she has a lot to reveal about the case but alleged a threat to her life. She has raised serious allegations against CM Pinaryi Vijayan and his family. Swapna Suresh had gone to record her secret statement under Section 164 before a Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Kochi. The statement recording continued on Tuesday.

While speaking to reporters after her deposition before the court on Tuesday, Swapna alleged that a bag containing money was sent to CM Vijayan when he was in Dubai in 2016.

Swapna Suresh had further added that the money was detected after the luggage was scanned as part of the consulate’s protocol. She, however, refrained from disclosing which country’s currency was there in the bag.

She further said that on M Sivsankar’s orders, biryani vessels containing heavy metals were transported from the consulate general’s house to the Cliff House, the CM’s official residence. “These vessels had heavy objects other than biryani. I can’t reveal everything right now. I will make further revelations when the time is right,” she added.

‘Nupur Sharma’s head will be found somewhere and torso somewhere else, will behead those opposing azaan and hijab’: Threatens radical Islamist at Jammu mosque

OpIndia Staff
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‘Nupur Sharma’s head will be found somewhere and torso somewhere else, will behead those opposing azaan and hijab’: Threatens radical Islamist at Jammu mosque

Nupur Sharma, the suspended BJP spokesperson, has received a fresh set of threats from a mosque in Jammu district, Jammu and Kashmir. A video has gone viral on the social media showing a large number Muslims congregated around a Masjid and comments about beheading and killing people over blasphemy allegations being shouted over loudspeakers.

The incident took place at Jamia Masjid in Bhaderwah in Doda district in Jammu, where a Muslim cleric was openly threatening to behead Nupur Sharma and those supporting her over comments on Prophet Mohammad made by Nupur on a TV show, which had resulted in her suspension from the party. The cleric also threatened that if police do not arrest those who oppose azan and hijab, then Muslims will catch them and behead them.

In the video from Thursday, a cleric is heard saying that Hindus drink cow urine and bath in cow dung. The person from the balcony of the Masjid announces in the microphone, “Gaaye Ke Peshaab Peene Walon Ka, Gobar Se Nahane Walon Ka, Haisiyat Kya Hai Inki. Inko Jo Hawa Milti Hai Humari Ibadat Se Milti Hai, Inko Jo Dariyaon Se Paani Milta Hai Humari Barqat Se Milta Hai. Inka Wajood Kya Hai (What is the status of these people who drink cow piss and bath in cow dung. The air they breathe is because of us and the water they drink is because of us. What is in their existence.)”

Further in the video, the person announces, “Mere Bhaiyon, Ek Baat Zehen Me Baitha Lo, Hum Tabhi Tak Shant Hain Jab Tak Humara Bardasht Kayam Hai. Agar Hum Bardaasht Se Bahar Nikal Gaye Toh Fir Wo Nupur Sharma Kya, Wo Ashish Kohli Kutta Kya. Wo Nupur Sharma Ke Sar Kahi Aur Dhad Kahi Aur Milenge (Brothers, keep it in your minds, we’re silent until we are patient. If we become impatient, then Nupur Sharma and that dog Ashish Kohli will not be left. Nupur Sharma’s head will be found somewhere else and torso somewhere else.)” This followed a shout by the crowd screaming the infamous Islamic slogan, “Naara-e-Taqbeer Allahu Akbar.”

Ashish Kohli is a journalist who has not said anything that can be considered blasphemy. He is getting death threats from Islamists only because of supporting Nupur Sharma. He had posted tweets supporting the suspended BJP leader with the hashtag #ISupportNupurSharma, and that enough for radical Muslims to threaten to behead him. This shows that not only Nupur Sharma, but anyone who supports her will face death threats from Islamists and terrorists.

More into the video, the person continues, “Ye Bhagwe Bhi Humaare Dushman, Ye RSS Bhi Humaare Dushman Hain. Issliye Main Tamam Aawam Ka Shukriya Ada Karta Hun. Administration Ka Bhi Shukriya Karta Hun Yaha Tak Sath Diya Aage Bhi Saath De (These saffron are also our enemies and this RSS is also our enemy. We thank the administration as they have continued to support us and we expect the same from them in the future also.)”

Further stressing to take the law into hands and behead people, the person says, “Maine Jaise Pehle Bhi Arz Kiya Ki Ye Aman Ko Kharab Karne Wale Anazir Hain Jo Kabhi Aazan Pe Bolte Hain Kabhi Parde Pe. To Administration Ko Chahiye Ki Jo Azaan Aur Parde Pe Bole Toh Uski Gardan Pakde Nahi Toh Hum Unka Sar Kalam Kar Denge (I have said earlier also that these are the people who disturb the peace by speaking sometimes on Azaan and sometimes on hijab. The administration should catch them otherwise we will behead them.)”

Expressing the competent of Muslims, the video sounds, “Sabse Nichle Darje Ke Musalman Me Bhi Itna Imaan Hai Ki Wochaahe Toh Duniya Ke Kisi Bhi Takatwar Aadmi Ka Sar Kalam Kar Sakta Hai (Even the lowest quality of Muslim is capable of beheading the strongest person in the world.)” Following this a loud shout of “Gustaakh-E-Rasool Ki Ek Hi Saza, Sar Tan Se Juda, Sar Tan Se Juda” arose out of the throng.

Nupur Sharma has been receiving continuous threats from Islamists all over the world following her remarks on the prophet. In the aforementioned video, the speaker makes the Gau Mutra remark similar to the one made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmed Dar alias Waqas, who was believed to be behind the Pulwama terror attack. This remark against the Hindus has been repeatedly made by several politicians and the left-liberal gang also.

Several cases have been registered against Nupur Sharma throughout the country for making remarks regarding the Islamic prophet during a TV debate show.

Meanwhile, Sharma has received threats from extremist organisations on the other side of the border. On May 29, Pakistani followers of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) promised a financial reward of Pakistani Rupees 5 million (about 19.5 lakh INR) for anybody who would behead Nupur for allegedly committing ‘blasphemy.’

As previously reported, many FIRs were filed against Sharma following her statements, and open demands for her murder were also made. Eventually, the terrorist organisation Al Qaeda threatened India with terror attacks over the issue.

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